How to add functionality to simscape multibody?

I see lots of little things in simscape multibody that are not being improved by matlab; which is fine, no sim system is perfect. But is there a way that we, the users, can spend the time adding components/physics/behaviors/elements to the system like what I see in simulink physical? For instance I would love to add pulley disengagement as a core capability, but I see a great deal of answers that are work arounds not solutions. Or add graphical modifications/features that are particular to our own needs.

thank you and I am sorry if this is an existing feature that I just haven't found.

cheers

Answer 1

[Aabha]

Hi @Mark,

I believe Simscape provides several ways for users to extend the capabilities of Simscape Multibody to customise components to better suite their needs. Here are some approaches that can be used:

• Custom physical components can be created in Simscape. This feature allows you to define new components as textual files, using the Simscape language. Using this the custom blocks can be parametrised, their physical behaviour can be specified using equations, and they can be integrated directly into Simscape models. You can refer to the following documentation for more information on creating custom components: https://www.mathworks.com/help/releases/R2024b/simscape/creating-custom-components.html

• Simscape also allows the creation of custom libraries, which helps in organising and reusing custom components across different projects and models. Please refer to the following documentation link which explains the workflow of building custom libraries: https://www.mathworks.com/help/releases/r2024b/simscape/lang/building-custom-block-libraries-from-simscape-component-files.html

I hope this is helpful to you.

Answer 2

[Yifeng Tang]

Hi Mark,

Simscape Multibody, unfortunately, can't be customized in the same way as other physical domains in Simscape. I would have to disagree with another answer posted on this issue.

What this also means is that there probably won't be any native solution other than workarounds, until a feature somehow is added to the Multibody product. It doesn't hurt to reach out to your MathWorks account team and see if they can link you to more resources.